Here’s a list of all the ingredients for **Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Rice**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe stand out:
- **Red pepper flakes** (optional, for a kick) - ¼ teaspoon
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish) - 2 tablespoons
### Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- **Onion** (diced) - ½ cup
- **Baby spinach** - 2 cups (for added greens)
- **Parmesan cheese** (grated) - ¼ cup (for a creamy finish)
This **one-pot lemon garlic chicken thighs recipe** is perfect for busy weeknights, combining **juicy chicken thighs**, **fluffy rice**, and **zesty lemon garlic flavors** in your **Instant Pot**. Enjoy a **quick and easy dinner** that’s both **healthy** and **flavorful**!
Steps
# Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Rice: A Flavorful One-Pot Meal
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe? This **Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Rice** is a perfect one-pot meal that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with fragrant rice, all infused with zesty lemon and savory garlic flavors. Follow these detailed steps to create a family-friendly dish that’s ready in under an hour!
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## **Ingredients**
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prep the Chicken**
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
- Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
### **2. Sauté the Chicken**
- Set your Instant Pot to **“Sauté” mode** and heat the olive oil.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
### **3. Sauté the Garlic**
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
### **4. Deglaze the Pot**
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits (this adds flavor and prevents the “Burn” warning).
### **5. Add Rice and Lemon**
- Stir in the rice, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
### **6. Layer the Chicken**
- Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up.
### **7. Pressure Cook**
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to **“Sealing.”**
- Cook on **“Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode** for **10 minutes** on high pressure.
### **8. Natural Release**
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for **10 minutes**, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
### **9. Serve and Garnish**
- Carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices if desired.
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## **Tips for Success**
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes.
- Avoid over-stirring the rice after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
This **Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Rice** is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with bold flavors and minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and the combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a restaurant-quality dish at home.
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Enjoy this easy, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! Don’t forget to share your results and tag us on social media. #InstantPotRecipes #LemonGarlicChicken #OnePotMeals